Editing Buteyko method (section)

== Method ==
The Buteyko method emphasizes the role of carbon dioxide and hyperventilation in respiratory diseases as well as overall health.  It is known that hyperventilation can lead to low [[carbon dioxide]] levels in the blood (or [[hypocapnea]]), which can subsequently lead to disturbances of the [[acid-base]] balance in the blood and lower tissue [[Oxygenation (medical)|oxygen levels]].  Advocates of this method assert that the effects of ''chronic'' hyperventilation have wider effects than is commonly accepted.<ref name=Courtney/>  These effects include widespread spasms of the muscle in the airways ([[bronchospasm]]),<ref name=BrutonChest>{{cite journal |vauthors=Bruton A, Holgate ST |title=Hypocapnia and asthma: a mechanism for breathing retraining? |journal=Chest |volume=127 |issue=5 |pages=1808–11 |date=May 2005 |pmid=15888863 |doi=10.1378/chest.127.5.1808 }}</ref> disturbance of cell energy production via the [[Krebs cycle]], as well as disturbance of numerous vital [[homeostatic]] chemical reactions in the body.  The Buteyko method purports to retrain the body's breathing pattern to correct for the presumed ''chronic'' hyperventilation and hypocapnia, thereby treating or curing the body of these medical problems.<ref name=Courtney/>

The Buteyko method is not widely supported in the medical community, in part due to the lack of research supporting the theory that hyperventilation and hypocapnia causes disease,<ref name=Courtney/> with one review noting the absence of convincing evidence to indicate that trying to change asthmatics' carbon dioxide level is either "desirable or achievable."<ref name=BrutonChest/>  Some studies that looked to corroborate the theory sought evidence such as by measuring the carbon dioxide levels in practitioners of Buteyko but failed to find conclusive support, leading some to propose alternate theoretical pathways for this method to improve symptoms.<ref name=Courtney/>

Although variations exist among teachers of the technique in different countries, the main objective is "normalization" of breathing and the three core principles of Buteyko remain the same: nasal breathing, reduced breathing, and relaxation.

=== Nasal breathing ===

The Buteyko method emphasizes the importance of nasal breathing, which protects the airways by humidifying, warming, and cleaning the air entering the lungs.  Many asthmatics have problems sleeping at night, and this is thought by Buteyko practitioners to be linked with poor posture and/or [[mouth breathing]]. By keeping the nose clear and encouraging nasal breathing during the day, night-time symptoms can also improve.  Strictly nasal breathing during physical exercise is another key element of the Buteyko method.<ref name="aus17" />

=== Reduced breathing exercises ===

The core Buteyko exercises involve breath control: consciously reducing either breathing rate or breathing volume.<ref name="Breathe">{{cite journal|last1=Thomas|first1=Mike|last2=Bruton|first2=Anne|title=Breathing exercises for asthma|journal=Breathe|date=December 2014|volume=10|issue=4|pages=313–322|doi=10.1183/20734735.008414|doi-access=free}}</ref> Many teachers refer to Buteyko as 'breathing retraining' and compare the method to learning to ride a bicycle. They say that after adequate practice time, the techniques become instinctive and the exercises are gradually phased out as the condition improves.

Buteyko uses a measurement called the ''control pause'' (CP), the amount of time between breaths that an individual can comfortably hold breath.<ref name="Courtney" /> According to Buteyko teachers, people with asthma who regularly practice Buteyko breathing will notice an increase in CP and decrease in pulse rate that corresponds to decreased asthma symptoms.

=== Relaxation ===

Buteyko practice emphasizes relaxation to counter asthma attacks. The first feeling of an asthma attack is unsettling and can result in a short period of rapid breathing. Buteyko method claims that by controlling this initial over-breathing phase, asthmatics can prevent a "vicious circle of over-breathing" from developing and spiraling into an asthma attack.